Chris Huhne opens new energy research centre

Secretary of state for energy and climate change Chris Huhne has unveiled the University of Salford's (UoS) latest research centre for energy and public policy.

Chris Huhne MP with deputy vice-chancellor Dr Adrian Graves

The Joule House centre, which was opened yesterday (October 26), by the minister has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund to help the university develop its portfolio of business support activity.

It aims to do this by targeting regional organisations from the low carbon and environmental goods and services sector.

UoS deputy vice-chancellor Dr Adrian Graves, said: "The University is establishing a reputation for making a global difference on these crucial issues. Our research and collaborations with major businesses and numerous community groups on energy efficiency reflects the University's commitment to environmental research of the highest standard."

As part of the launch, Mr Huhne toured the historic Joule House, once home to Salfordian physicist James Joule, who gave his name to the Joule unit of energy.

He was also shown how the university is continuing Mr Joule's legacy by meeting with researchers from the university, who are working to make British homes more energy efficient by carrying out research at the university's Energy House, a reconstructed terraced house built inside a lab which launched earlier this year.

As part of the Energy House tour, he was given a demonstration of how researchers scientifically test the latest windows, doors, insulation and other technologies by subjecting them to extremes of temperature and other weather conditions, including rain.

Commenting on the centre, Mr Huhne said: "Keeping homes warm in winter and saving money on energy bills are real life issues for people here in Manchester and up and down the country.

"I am pleased to be able to open this new facility at the historic Joule House. This will add to the already impressive efforts here at the University of Salford to improve the energy efficiency of the nation's housing stock."